As parents, we always want the best for our children and do our best to protect them from life’s challenges. But despite our efforts, we can’t shield them from everything. Mental health issues are increasingly common among children and teenagers, with many dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
Children can face a range of emotional challenges—from bullying at school, to family breakups, or grief from losing a loved one. If your child seems to be struggling—whether it’s at school, at home, or in social situations—it may be time to consider speaking with a therapist.
Many children find it hard to express their feelings to parents or teachers, but may feel more comfortable opening up to a trained professional. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s behaviour or emotional well-being, it might be worth searching for a child and teenage therapist in Brighton, London or a local area near you.
But once you’ve decided to seek help, an important question remains: How do you choose the right therapist for your child?
Does My Child Need Therapy?
Here are some signs to look for to begin considering therapy for your child:
- They show a sudden change in appetite and sleep patterns
- Bed wetting
- Loss of concentration and poor performance at school
- Social withdrawal
- Aggressive behaviour
While these are only some indications, the signs that your child needs help may differ based on the issue they’re dealing with. It’s best to stay alert and check in with your children often.
7 Qualities A Child Therapist Must Possess
1. Expertise in Child Development
When looking for help, it’s important to find a psychologist who specialises in child therapy, as working with children is very different from working with adults.
A qualified child therapist will have a deep understanding of developmental stages and how these impact a child’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. This insight is key to helping your child work through challenges in a way that feels safe and age-appropriate.
If your child is dealing with developmental or psychological issues such as speech delays, autism, cognitive difficulties, or ADHD, it’s best to choose a therapist with specialised experience in these areas.
2. Has Diverse Culture Context
When it comes to children in particular, the UK is a cultural melting pot. Choose a therapist who understands different cultures, values, and norms.
They do not necessarily have to share your culture, but they should be empathetic and open-minded. This will allow them to better guide your children through any challenges they may face.
3. Aims to Be an Ally
When it comes to gender identity, many parents still struggle to truly understand how to help their children. Even with increased societal acceptance, children and teenagers still get bullied for their sexuality. Many young people often suffer from gender dysphoria, where they find it difficult to conform with their biological sex.
In such cases, it’s important to find a therapist with an ally mentality. They must be able to offer the right support that can make them feel empowered, comfortable and confident in their own identity.
4. Right Credentials
Before deciding on a therapist, always check their credentials. Do they have the necessary certifications to help your child? If your child has special needs, such as autism or developmental issues, you should seek out a therapist who specialises in those areas rather than someone who does not.
5. Can Have An Effective Communication With The Parents
One important quality to look for in a child therapist is their ability to communicate effectively with parents. When working with kids who have mental health problems, parents occasionally need to be made more aware of their situation. In order for the family to give the child a secure and healthy environment at home, it is the responsibility of the therapist to give them the most appropriate advice.
6. Sensitivity and Trust
A child therapist should be sensitive to the concerns of both the child and their family. They should be someone you and your child can trust. These two qualities are key to having a successful relationship between a child and their therapist.
Your child should be willing to revisit the therapist and not avoid them. If you find them fearing a therapist or showing reluctance, it’s a sign that you need to switch.
7. Flexible
Every child is unique, and so are their problems. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work with youngsters. Therapeutic interventions need to be personalised on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of therapeutic interventions for children include approaches like talk therapy, play therapy, group intervention, art therapy, and more.
Final Words
Children who are troubled or exposed to a traumatic incident at an early age often suffer as adults. They may experience confidence and anger issues, have difficulty maintaining relationships, and perform poorly at work or school.
The right intervention at a young age can help them mature into confident and functional adults.
Therapy is found to be highly effective in dealing with children’s and young adults’ issues. As a child grows, they experience different changes intrinsically and extrinsically and may find it difficult to cope with them. Teenagers and children find it difficult to voice their problems to their family, and this might make them suffer even more.
Sometimes it takes a stranger to pour your heart out, isn’t it?
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
Leave a Reply